Coming Soon – District 15 Spring Conference 2008
Would you like to hear a world champion speaker, be inspired by an internationally known master motivational speaker or a world champion speechwriter? Then don’t miss District 15 Spring Conference
Pursue Your Passion
May 30 & 31st in Boise Idaho
Featuring our special guests:
Randy Harvey, 2004 World Champion Speaker
Dr. Vincent Kituku, Master Motivational Speaker, Author
Vandye Forrester, Champion speech writer, Author
Natalie Hurst, Channel 2 News Journalist
Register at District 15 Conference Registration
9 Membership Building Tips for Clubs
If you're a member of a struggling club with less than 12 members, you probably think that increasing membership in your club is difficult, if not impossible.
Annette Manning provides advice for building membershipOn the other hand, a club that is charter-strong with 20 or more will likely agree that getting new members is relatively easy. In fact, some clubs in this category spend very little time promoting their club and new members just seem to keep coming.
What’s the difference?
It’s certainly not luck, but the impression the visitor gets when visiting your club.
Here are several ways to increase your membership:
- Before launching any new membership drive, improve the quality of your meetings. Getting visitors is easy! Impressing guests enough so that they come back…that’s the challenge.
- Have an open house. An excellent step-by-step article on how to do that is on our web site.
- Make sure that the VP of Public Relations concentrates on getting people in the door while the VP of Membership convinces guests to be members.
- Have a member create and maintain a small and simple web site for your club. It has been estimated that up to 80% of all club visitors find a club to visit through the Internet. There are many free web-hosting sites available.
- Ask your Sergeant-at-Arms to arrive 15 minutes before each meeting. Guests typically show up early. If no one is there, they might think the meeting was canceled.
- Ask your Sergeant-at-Arms and other members to always be on the lookout for visitors and understand that they should be prepared to drop everything to greet the guest.
- Educate the club members on how important it is that everyone greet the guest before the meeting.
- Ask the guest to provide a short comment toward the end of the meeting about what they thought about the meeting. Just make sure to tell the guest at the beginning of the meeting that these comments will be requested at the end so the guest is not caught off-guard.
- If your club has 12 or fewer members… ask your District Governor for a Club Coach.
Many people do not realize that even the large clubs can run into trouble with membership. Usually, a dip in membership is the result of poor leadership in the club and a decline in meeting quality. Make sure you have a good product before trying to get others to buy into it and you’ll be at membership capacity in no time.
On-Line Submission of Spring Dues
Club Presidents, by now you have received your Club roster and dues request. You are encouraged to work with your Treasurer to collect and submit the dues on line.
Many Clubs and members choose to participate in the October to October (O2O) program. These members have chosen to pay for the entire year. With six or more paid members, the Club can submit the dues and get DCP credit for the submission. The balance of the members can be added one at a time after the initial six member submission.
The following link with the Club number and password will allow direct entry of the member information including dues.
Conduct Club Business
Thanks to all for your participation and support of the greatest communication and leadership program in the world.
Attention Club Presidents – District and International Proxies
Michael Rusnack calls attention to club proxiesEach year about this time, Toastmasters International will begin mailing the District and Regional Proxies. I can only begin to stress the importance of these proxies.
Over the next few weeks, you will be sent two different proxies. The District proxies are carried by the Club President, VP of Education or designee to the Spring Business Meeting to be held May 31st in Boise. In order to conduct business it is necessary to have a quorum of our Clubs and Leadership staff represented. This year’s business team will elect the 2008-09 Leadership team, vote on the proposed re-alignment of the District’s Areas and Divisions, a proposed change to the District bylaws recommending an increase in the allowed mileage traveled within the District. All these are important issues to the membership as a whole.
The second proxy you will receive will be for voting at the Regional Conference in June. Those proxies are collected at a central repository within the District. I personally will carry those ballots to the Regional Conference – exchanging them for voting ballots. There Region 1 will cast their ballot for International Director and other measures brought forth at the Regional Business Meeting.
You are encouraged to be on the look-out for these ballots; hold the District Proxy for the Conference, Mail (or otherwise) return the International ballots to the designee on the ballot.
Thanks for your attention to this very critical aspect of your office.
Education for the Future You
Toastmaster TLI training was Awesome; each of the four Divisions hosted multiple sessions. In addition to the typical officer training, we continued to promote awareness of the Competent Leader program. It is new… it is different… it works.
By speaking, you change many things in your personal life; attitude, opinions, and views. Yet you find you’re going to become the center of attention. WHY? You speak better! Hence, you are the leader of the moments in your life. Friends, family, and colleagues notice it. You may not. So take a moment and see what you have become. The CL manual when used is a great gauge of where you are, and how you are doing.
District 15 is good, still in the top ten with massive AC submittals, awesome officers, and the members ROCK!
So what to do next? More training.
Club Coaching, Sponsoring, and Mentoring TLI - American Fork March 29th 1pm to 4pm
Learn how to help your clubs, and others grow, and rebuild. Club Rebuilding TLIs will be offerd May through July 2008. We are scheduling 4 such training sessions, 2 in Idaho 2 in Utah. If your club would like to sponsor such training contact myself or your area, and division leader.
Leadership Boot Camp
April 26th Layton - Utah, Location will be announced
May 5th Boise - Idaho, Boise Bible College
This is a basic training session for those that want to use the Toastmasters leadership program to its fullest. Learn each officer’s rules & roles, and how past officers have succeeded. This is a great opportunity to meet current officers and future leaders.
If you wish to participate in any of these programs, please feel free to contact any of the leadership staff. Your participation as an attendee, presenter or planner would very much be appreciated as well.
Filling the Hole
On the last day of my military career, ready for a new life of retirement, I left my colleagues with my parting advice, “When you go, leave behind a big hole. Leave someone to fill that hole.” In retrospection, the advice I left applies to all of us in leadership positions.
Dave Manning offers leadership adviceFor Toastmasters in leadership positions, the annual office term ends in July. While still several months away, it gives pause to reflect both on our contributions since last June, and on who will replace us. By looking at our contributions, we effectively measure the size of the hole we’ll leave behind. And by looking ahead at our replacement, we position someone to fill that hole. Together, this convergence of adding value and active mentoring demonstrates leadership of the highest sophistication.
I know there will be some toastmasters saying, “But I’m not in a leadership position, so this doesn’t apply.” I disagree. Every time you stand up to deliver a speech, you set an example for others in your audience; you lead. Every time you provide an evaluation, you give feedback to help another person grow; you lead. Simply put, as a Toastmaster, you lead.
Looking ahead to that future date when we pass on the mantle of leadership, it’s now time to ask those questions all leaders must answer. “What value have I added in my position as a leader?” “Have I mentored my replacement?” In the time ahead, use this opportunity to do both. Review the critical success factors for your leadership position and objectively ask yourself how well you have contributed to success. If you’re unclear about these success factors, provide your leader the opportunity to exercise their own skills by asking for advice and feedback; then pass on the guidance to your successor.
At this point I caution you to avoid the common fallacy in mentoring that many people believe their replacement should replicate the work and methods of their mentor. Remember that good mentors help their charges to develop competence in their own way. Your replacement needs to develop their leadership abilities, rather than just cloning yours.
Leadership development is a significant part of being a Toastmaster. At this point in the Toastmaster year, I challenge you now to refine your own leadership skills to that point of highest sophistication. Leave a big hole. Then leave someone to fill that hole.
Duties of an Area Governor
Being an Area Governor is one of the most rewarding leadership positions we could wish to have. As a previous Area and Division Governor I have learned more this time around than I did the first time. My point is that we never stop learning; each time is more rewarding than the last. I’ve become more of a mentor and a good friend, as well as someone Toastmaster Clubs can trust through learning other people’s point of view.
Area Governors are the link between the clubs and Divisions. Successful Area Governors lose themselves in service. We are approachable, dependable and accountable for the service we provide.
Because most people lead very busy lives I decided to visit the clubs and become acquainted with the members one on one rather than have more meetings. Governors should make the effort to visit with clubs not only on our official visits but at every opportunity we have. This may be a sacrifice on our part as we may miss our own club meetings on occasion but the effort is a worthwhile sacrifice when we see clubs being successful and growing. Achieving their DCP by following their goals and helping their members to achieve their goals, we have a win-win situation.
We see first hand where they need help and guidance. Basically getting to know the members allows us to be everything from a mentor to a good friend, a venue to vent through or someone to lean on. I have made a lot of friends in the clubs this way; friends I will have for life.
It takes time and effort to get clubs and members to support Area Governors. We aren’t the boss of the clubs; we’re there for assistance and encouragement. We need to know when to get involved and when to let them handle things in their own way. The clubs will support us if we use the right channels; first acquaint yourself with the presidents. Find out what their goals are for their club. If they need advice they will ask for it. Be there to listen encourage and have a good attitude at all times.
It does not mean you become their lap dog or a push over; set limits. There is always room for communication on all levels. Communication is a must. Keep in constant contact with your club president and officers. Allow them to do their job. Our club presidents are busy people too. When sending out correspondence, send it to at least two other officers. This takes the burden off the president having to always remember all the details of contests, training etc.
Our last training held on February 2nd in American Fork was very successful. We had great trainers. We also had good feedback from the members at the “question and answer” time of the training. I would like to thank James Jackson, Susan Baer, Judy Henline, Victor Hernandez, Rich Hopkins and Norene Jensen for doing such a great job.
We had a very good attendance thanks to all the support that was given to us by all the clubs in the Divisions. Notices and fliers were sent out at two week intervals as well as being passed on to the clubs at each club visit I attended. I took hard copies to all clubs with details on of when were and time. The training was announced every time during club business. Mass communicating is the only way to inform the people and remind them of what’s coming next. It is also recommended that everyone use the District Calendars to remind members of dates they need to keep in mind.
Rocket Science for Speech Topics
Sometimes we just run out of topic ideas for speeches. One unusual source is from NASA Headquarters - their Work/Life Navigator newsletter. It was a four-page monthly publication issued between 2000 and 2006. Navigator discussed serious issues like workplace stress, but it also had humor, health tips, food for thought, etc. It is a hidden, noncommercial jewel buried on the Internet. You can find an archive of the last two-dozen issues stored as Acrobat .pdf files at: http://oim.hq.nasa.gov/oia/hqcmd/pasted.html
I found the Navigator when looking on the web for articles on business networking. That search pointed to “How to talk to Anybody, Anytime”, the lead article in the March 2005 issue.
Solid rockets shown in the picture are in front of ATK Launch Systems. This ATK display is in District 15. It is on Utah Route 83 not far from the Golden Spike National Historic Site. The huge horizontal rocket is the 149-foot long, 12-foot diameter Space Shuttle booster. At the back end is a sign asking visitors “PLEASE DO NOT CLIMB INTO THE NOZZLE.”
It’s contest time again…
Each Spring and Fall, the District hosts its conference. One of the highlights of these conferences is the Evaluation and International Speech contest. The winners will progress to compete at each level, with the final showdown at the District Conference to be held in May. The winner of the District conference International Speech contestant will go on to compete for the opportunity to compete at the International convention in Calgary.
With the International convention in Calgary, BC (Canada) this year, US Citizens will be required to have a valid passport for the entry and return to and from Canada. No longer will a driver’s license or birth certificate be suitable.
By the time of this publication, the Club contests will have been completed; Area contests are under way. Members are encouraged to assist in filling the roles that are necessary to support the contestants. Of those roles audience membership is one that is encouraged too.
Area Governors have been promoting their contests via e-mail. If you require additional information please contact your respective Area or Division Governor. Contact information can be found at the following link:
District 15 Leadership Team
Division contest schedule / location (Governor):
- Division A – April 5th Boise (Craig Estano)
- Division B – April 12th Twin Falls (Joyce Tolliver)
- Division D – April 19th SLC (Que Collard)
- Division E – April 19th SLC (Sharon Aaron)
Here is an interesting link to an NPR program that features highlights the 2007 International Speech contest. We believe you will enjoy this.
Film maker confronts public speaking fears
Good luck to all the contestants.
Call for Nominations
At the District Spring Conference the Members of the District will elect the Leadership staff for the 2008-09 Toastmaster Year. This note is to ask for nominations for these elected positions. These include:
- Division A Governor
- Division B Governor
- Division C Governor*
- Division D Governor
- Division E Governor
- Lt Governor of Marketing
- Lt Governor of Education and Training
- District Governor
*Based on the outcome of the proposed District realignment package, there may be the need for a Division C Governor. This proposal was discussed in the late winter DEC meeting; it will be formally being reviewed at the Business meeting just prior to electing officers.
More information for each of these position can be found on the Toastmasters International website; follow the link below:
District Officer Roles
Once you have determined that you have an interest in serving in any of the above capacities, and have determined that you meet the prerequisites, follow the links to the nomination form at the following link:
District Nominations
Return the completed forms to:
Dick Carr
623 West 700 South
Brigham City, UT 84302
or e-mail RWMJGYPSI2@aol.com
This isn’t your grandfather’s Toastmasters
While searching the Toastmasters International website, I found the following link of interest – Timeline
As I looked over the milestones within the years since the inception, the organization certainly has changed and grown. However, one aspect that I am certain has not changed is the drive for new members. In many cases, we rely on word of mouth to communicate the benefits of the programs Toastmasters has to offer, but our Public Relations Officer, Lt Governor of Marketing and the Club VP of Membership have sought various ways to promote Toastmasters at their respective level.
During my tenure as District Governor, I have the opportunity to visit many Clubs. It has become increasingly apparent that many of our Clubs are taking on more of an international flare. That is, more and more of the membership is being made up of members where English is a second language. To quote professional speaker and District 15 Toastmaster Vincent Kituku, “English is not my second, third or fourth language.”
Here is an untapped market for all our Clubs – community and corporate alike. Where better else can the ESL students continue to polish their skills? Community Clubs seek out and visit ESL classes, instructors and students. Suggest attendance to your Toastmaster meeting. Corporate Clubs could use this same promotion tool to help those improve their skills.
At the next Toastmaster meeting you attend, look around you, then close your eyes and listen to the voices and accents. You too could easily imagine being in the transit lounge at London Heathrow instead of your hometown Toastmaster Meeting.
So what’s next?
This question is asked by many once they achieve their Advanced Communicator Gold or DTM. I have heard this on far too many occasions. When you, as a member, officer or leader, hear this question; refer the member to the TI website for some suggestions.
Idea Corner: What to Do After You Receive Your DTM
Remember – All speeches deserved a good (manual) evaluation.
District 15 L.E.D. – Membership Contest
Between October 1st and January 30th all Clubs that added 4 or more members will be recognized with a ribbon for their Club banner. The following Clubs have qualified for this recognition:
- 9th Street Club
- Boise Bible College Toastmasters
- Boise Club
- Dixie Tub Thumpers Club
- Dynamic Club
- Food for Thought
- Gateway Toastmasters Club
- George Fox University Toastmasters
- HP Speakeasies Club
- Image Masters Toastmasters Club
- Metro Toastmasters Club
- Olympic Orators Club
- Park City Toastmasters Club
- Precision Speakers Club
- Questar Toastmasters Club
- Rise And Shine Club
- Rise and Shine Orators
- Ruby Mountain Club
- Russet Ramblers
- Smile Toastmasters Club
- Statehouse Toastmasters
- Summit Club
- Universal Toastmasters
- USANA Toastmasters
- Valued Voices
- XanGo Toastmasters
The ribbons will be distributed at the District conference May 30-31. Sign up now for the conference and be recognized as a recipient of the LED Award!
Congratulations to these Clubs and thanks to each that Club in your efforts to promote the benefits and values of Toastmasters.
Cool Link
Here’s a link to an NPR story all about Toastmasters. Forward this link to a friend or colleague that you feel could benefit from Toastmasters. This was broadcast on NPR – Nov 5th 2007.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Apr 1 | District 15 Award Nominations due |
| Apr 5 | Division A Speech Contest |
| Apr 12 | Division B contest |
| Apr 19 | Division D Speech Contest |
| Division E Speech Contest | |
| Apr 26 | Leadership Boot Camp, Layton UT Granny Annie’s, 9 AM–3 PM |
| May 1 | Beat the Clock Membership Contest |
| 1st Day to be recognized as Distinguished | |
| May 3 | Leadership Boot Camp, Boise ID Boise Bible College |
| May 30-31 | Spring Conference Hosted by Division A |
| May 31 | Submit new Officer list to TI |
| Jun 1 | The Pulsebeat articles due |
| Jun 7 | Boise TLI Spring Training |
| Jun 13-14 | Region 1 Conference |
| Jun 21 | SLC TLI Spring Training |
| The Pulsebeat published |
The Pulsebeat Submission Guidelines
District 15 toastmasters are invited to contribute articles to The Pulsebeat by sending submissions to the editor or to the Public Relations Officer. Accepted articles will be published in upcoming issues of The Pulsebeat, released quarterly.
Dave Manning offers Web submission guidlines
The Web has provided us with expanded opportunities of self expression. As a medium, the Web offers us the means of combining text and graphics, as well as the means of cross-linking to additional sources of information. However, it also means that we have to shift our thinking in terms of writing and publication. It is important to remember that as a medium of information, the Web is not an electronic version of paper. That is, something that looks fine in print may need restructuring when applied to the Web. Following these publishing guidelines will ease that transition from paper to Web.
- Developing a written article is similar to developing a speech. Just as you develop a speech with a specific purpose, and with a beginning, middle and and end, so you should write your article. Write with a purpose and organize your thoughts as you express yourself.
- Remember your audience. Just as we should always use tasteful language and content in our speeches, the same holds true for written articles. Use language appropriate for Grandma to read.
- There is sometimes a tendency for people to speak casually, then write with a formal voice. While in scholarly papers this may be fine, we prefer a more casual, relaxed voice appropriate for sharing your thoughts. Write like you speak.
- Be wary of run-away articles. Just as a speech can sometimes get away from you and you see that red timer light come on about a quarter of the way through a speech, a written article can sometimes go over time. Limit your articles to approximately 500 words.
- Conventional style in print is to double-space between sentences. This is intended to partition between complete clauses in print. However, HTML (the language of web sites) does not recognize doubles-spaces. Additionally, many word processing programs treat the double-space as a special character that can insert garbage characters when read by the Web browser. Use only a single space between sentences.
- Experienced speakers know the importance of providing an introduction. Your article title and by-line serves the same purpose by giving your audience a short hook to associate your article content with you as the author. For example, “‘What I did for my summer vacation!’ by Jack Sprat, DTM” gives the reader an idea of your article content as well as who wrote it. Always provide a title and by-line.
- Producers of popular word processing programs love to create ways of forcing everyone to use only their products by limiting the readability of documents. Never assume that someone working with your article can work with a file created by your word processor. To this end, the best format to send in your article is Rich Text Format (.rtf). Most people have Microsoft Word on their computers, which is fine, but the file should always be saved as .rtf or .doc. The recent release of Office 2007 has changed file types to saving as .docx by default. Currently, only another Word 2007 user can read a .docx, which is unlikely to change anytime soon. At the cost of several hundred dollars to purchase Office 2007, it may be awhile before large numbers of users join you in using Office 2007. Submit articles as .rtf or .doc files.
- The Web makes the inclusion of photos fairly simple. By all means, we love to have your portrait included with your article as a way for the reader to better get to know you. Include pictures with your article as an embedded graphic, or as a .jpg or .gif file.
That’s it. All of us on The Pulsebeat staff welcome your submissions and look forward to seeing your articles in upcoming issues. Email your new submissions to the District PRO or to The Pulsebeat Editor.